The Japanese government has committed RM1.2 million (US$316,000) to enhance surgical services and healthcare infrastructure in northeastern provinces. This funding aims to improve the technical standards and safety protocols of surgical procedures in regional hospitals.

2.IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN NUMBERS RISE TO 113 -- AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE

Conservationists discovered a newborn Irrawaddy dolphin calf in the Kampi deep pool, Kratie province, on February 14. The total Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin population has now grown to 113.

LAOS

1.CHINESE AI TO IMPROVE LAO HEALTHCARE -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Laos plans to utilise Chinese expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to enhance its medical services. This technology will improve public health management, disease analysis, health screenings and the digitisation of medical records.

2.ADB FUNDS TO IMPROVE LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

The Agriculture and Environment Ministry and the Asian Development Bank have launched a project to protect the livestock industry and strengthen cross-border trade. The bank will provide RM168 million (US$43 million) for the project. 

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT DECLARES FEB 19 AS START OF RAMADAN -- ANTARA

The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs has declared February 19, 2026, as the first day of Ramadan 1447 Hijri, following an Isbat (confirmation) meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday.

2.NAVY RECEIVES HYDRO-OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEY SHIP FROM GERMAN SHIPYARD -- THE JAKARTA POST

The Indonesian Navy officially received the KRI Canopus hydro-oceanography ship during a ceremony at German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen in Lemwerder, Germany, on Thursday.

PHILIPPINES

1.EALA POWERS WAY TO LAST 16 OF DUBAI TENNIS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

Filipino Alexandra Eala ousted Italian sixth seed and world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini, 6-1, 7-6 (5), in the second round of the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships early Wednesday (PH time) at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Centre in the United Arab Emirates.

2.2 WEATHER SYSTEMS TO BRING RAINS OVER PARTS OF PH -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

Some areas will experience rains due to two prevailing weather systems on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

SINGAPORE

1. PM WONG CONGRATULATES BANGLADESH'S NEW PM TARIQUE RAHMAN ON ELECTION VICTORY -- CNA

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday congratulated Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the "decisive victory" of his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the country's general election last week.

2. MUSLIM FASTING MONTH OF RAMADAN TO START ON FEB 19 --  THE STRAITS TIMES

Muslims in Singapore will begin fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on Feb 19, the Mufti said.

-- BERNAMA

MYANMAR 

1.MADAGASCAR EMERGES AS TOP RICE BUYER -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Madagascar has emerged as the top buyer of Myanmar rice, followed by the Philippines and China. Locally produced rice is now exported to 31 countries worldwide. 

2.THANLWIN BRIDGE DESTROYED IN MINE ATTACK -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

The Thanlwin Bridge, located in Mese Township, Kayah State, was damaged in a mine attack yesterday. Part of the bridge collapsed in an explosion but no casualties or injuries were reported.

VIETNAM

1.SHORTAGE OF COLD STORAGE FACILITIES -- VIETNAMPLUS

Authorities are concerned about the imbalance in cold storage system distribution that could impact agriculture and seafood exports. Cold storage facilities are scarce in major raw material-producing regions.

2.TOP INVESTORS’ DESTINATION IN ASIA PACIFIC -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Savills Asia Pacific Outlook 2026 report indicates that Vietnam is becoming an appealing destination for long-term investors within the Asia–Pacific region. The recovery of leasing demand and the improvement of consumer activities are drawing investors' interest.

THAILAND  

1. THAIS URGED TO GO GLOBAL AMID VOLATILE MARKETS -- BANGKOK POST

Global markets will remain volatile as shifting US economic policies, an evolving interest rate cycle, an uneven global recovery, and persistent geopolitical risks normalise market swings, warns Maybank Securities (Thailand).

2. PRICE SWINGS WEIGH ON THAI SILVER EXPORTS -- BANGKOK POST

Trade policy uncertainties and silver price volatility are creating challenges for Thailand's silver jewellery industry, as buyers are reluctant to place new orders, according to the Thai Silver Exporters Association.

--BERNAMA